Improvement in propulsion of canal-boats



JULIUS L. HORNIG. Improvement 'in Propulsion of Canal-Boats. No. 114,561. PatentedMay 9,1371.

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JULIUS L. HORNIG, OF OHI OAGO, ILLINOIS.

Letters Patent No. 114,561, dated-May 9, 1871.

IMPROVEMENT IN PROPULSION OF CANAL-BOATS.

The Schedule referred to in these Letters Patent and making part o the same.

To whom it may concern Be it known that I, J uLIUs L. Homne, of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a new and useful Improvement in the Propnlsion of Canal-Boats; and v1 do declare that the following is atrue and accurate description thereof, reference being bad to the accompanying drawing and to the letters of reference marked thereon and being a part of this specification, in which-.-

Figure lis an elevation of a canal-boat with my propelling mechanism attached, the boat itself being provided with a suitable motor to operate said mechanism.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the same.

Figure3 is a perspective of a section of my endless chain. I

Figure 4 is a cross-section of one of the links of said chain on the line at z, fig. 3.

Like letters indicate like parts in each figure. I

The nature of this invention relates to the propulsion of vessels in canals in such a manner that no swell or wash is created in the water to injure the banks; and is more especially designed to be an improvement upon a device for alike purpose-for which Letters Patent were issued to me on the 27th day of December, 1870;

The invention consists- First, in the new and ingenious construction of an endless chain, so arranged as to take the place of the traction-grooved wheels described in said Letters Patent.

Second, in the combination of said endless chain with a carriage of novel construction, supported on and clamping the rail by means of its drums and grooved pulleys.

Third, in the combination f said carriage and its appurtenances with a vessel which carries the motor fordriving the propelling mechanism, as more fully hereinafter described.

The design is to provide a single-track railway and suitable mechanism for operating upon said railway,

by means of which vessels may be propelled, as set same shaft or axle F, communicate said motion to the wheel or drum 0. Any suitable motor may be employed on the boat to rotate the shaft G and its pulley D, and said motion is thence communicated to the drum 0' by means of the chains H or by other wellknown devices.

I is another drum or sheave similar in construction to the drum 0, is journaled in the bearings J, which are so made as to have a lateral motion in the slots a in the two bars which formthe sides of the truckframe, for the purposes hereinafter set forth.

K is an endless chain running over the drums or sheaves G I, and it is constructed in sections, hinged or pivoted together, and each section'is provided with externally-projecting rigid flanges b, beveled upon their inner sides, so that as the chain is carried forward or backward by the rotation of the drums itwill grasp the rail and propel the vessel to which the device is attached.

The bearings J, in which the drum 1 is journaled, are adjustable in the slots a, for the purpose of tightening-or loosening the endless chaiu as may be desired.

L is a guide-wheel, properly jonrnaled in the forward part of the frame, and, straddling the rail A, acts as a guide to retain the frame in place over the rail.

M is an arm, one end of whichis sleeved on the shaft G, and the other end upon the axle F and connects the two together.

The carriage or truck-frame may be provided with a suitable connection to a crane on board the can-ah boat to lift the carriage and its appurtenances from the rail on board if desired, or so coustructed as to press the carriage down on the rail to increase the traction.

In order to do this the overhanging part of the shaft G may be so sleeved or jointed as to admit 0 their sliding or swinging inward when the connec tions are to be lifted ,on board of the boat, so that no part of the propelling apparatus may obstruct the side of the boat.-

The carriage may be provided with pilot and railscraper to clear the track.

The end of the carriage, showing guide-wheels L, may be linked to the boat to answer for steering or parallel guide-this link, on both ends, to be togglejoi te I The endless chain, constructed as above described, may be employed, in connection with a proper rail, in any other position where traction is required.

\Vhat I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patcnt, is-

1. The endless chain K, constructed with outwardly-projecting flanges b, substantially as set forth.

2. The combination of said endless. chain K with 7 any proper drums or pulleys and the track A, when and arm M, carriage B, drums O G, axle F, endless operating substantially as and for the purpose set chain K, and. guide-wheel L with the rail A, substanforth.- 'tially as described, and for the purposes set forth.

3.'The carriage B, constructed as described, in con- JULIUS L. HORNIG. nection with drums O O, axle F, and endless chain 3 K, when operating {LS and for the purpose specified. Witnesses: v

4. The combination of the shaft G, rotated by any HARRY S. SPRAGUE,

suit-able motor upon a. ca nal-boat, pulley D, chain H, WILL S. ROGERS. 

